Today, South Jersey Backflow was in Mount Laurel, NJ, performing an inspection and maintenance of the backflow preventer at a large residential estate. This property features an extensive irrigation system to maintain the gardens, a pond, and several outdoor fountains, making it essential to have a properly functioning backflow preventer. The backflow preventer installed is the Ames 2000 RPZ, known for its high reliability in handling large water volumes and safeguarding residential systems against contaminants.

Initial Inspection and Testing

The Ames 2000 RPZ was located in the outdoor mechanical shed near the garden’s irrigation system and the pool’s water supply. During the visual inspection, we noted:

• No visible cracks or leaks in the backflow preventer assembly.
• Moderate mineral buildup around the relief valve, likely due to the proximity to the pond and fountains.
• Shutoff valves were functioning properly, though some light rust appeared on the valve stems.

We proceeded with the full backflow preventer test:

1. Check Valve #1 – Passed, holding at 4.0 PSI.
2. Check Valve #2 – Passed, maintaining 3.8 PSI.
3. Relief Valve – Passed, opening at 2.5 PSI.

Preventive Maintenance

Since the system passed all tests, we performed routine maintenance:

• Flushed the relief valve to remove any mineral buildup and debris from the outdoor water features.
• Cleaned the check valve seats to ensure proper sealing and to prevent any leaks.
• Lubricated the shutoff valve stems to protect them from corrosion and ensure smooth operation.

Final Steps and Certification

Once the inspection and maintenance were completed, we:

• Filed the compliance report with the Mount Laurel Water Department.
• Provided the homeowner with the completed test results and a summary of the maintenance performed.
• Scheduled the next annual inspection to ensure the backflow preventer remains in good working order and compliant with regulations.

Final Recommendations

Before leaving, we advised the homeowner to:

1. Inspect the backflow preventer every six months, especially after the irrigation system or fountains are used, to avoid mineral buildup.
2. Monitor the water quality in the pond and fountains to prevent any contaminants from affecting the backflow preventer.
3. Regularly clean the area around the backflow preventer to ensure it stays free of dirt and plant matter.

Another successful service by South Jersey Backflow, helping Mount Laurel’s estate maintain a safe and compliant water system!